The data used to compile the tables not only shows who is leading the way in delivering clinical research opportunities for patients, but a comparison to last year's data also reveals which trusts have made huge changes in their research activity.

For the first time the table categorises NHS trusts into organisations with similar characteristics, which allows comparisons to be made between trusts in similar circumstances. Viewing the data in this way demonstrates that NHS organisations of all types and sizes are increasing the reach of research and giving more patients the chance to take part.

Care, mental health and ambulance trusts — traditionally areas of lower research activity — are amongst the top ten trusts that have achieved the largest per cent increase in the amount of research studies they undertake.

Developing a research-active culture can bring a host of benefits for patients, clinicians and the NHS, driving innovation, giving rise to better and more cost-effective treatments, and creating opportunities for staff development.

Growing evidence also suggests that NHS organisations that are research-active appear to do better in overall performance.

The NIHR Clinical Research Network provides specialist research nurses and resources to enable NHS trusts to deliver clinical research opportunities for patients. Its chief executive Dr Jonathan Sheffield sees the league table as evidence of the growing profile of research throughout the NHS:

"This year we're able to report that 99% of NHS trusts in England were involved in delivering research during 2011/12 and with their help we recruited almost 600,000 patients, which was a fantastic achievement.

"We know from recent polls that patients want to see the NHS do research, and they want the chance to get involved. The league table helps us recognise the research commitment of NHS staff throughout England and shows that clinical research is not just for the large teaching hospitals — it is absolutely core business for all NHS trusts."

Chief medical officer and scientific adviser at the Department of Health, professor Dame Sally Davies, said: "This data from the NIHR Clinical Research Network is encouraging and shows us that high quality research is happening but we need to keep pushing for research to have the profile it deserves with both doctors and their patients."

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